Rishikesh (also spelt Hrishikesh, another name for Lord Vishnu), in the state of Uttaranchal, is a holy city for Hindus located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India. It is 24 kilometers away from another holy city, Haridwar, and is considered an access point for the cities that form the Char Dham - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

The sacred river Ganga (anglicized to Ganges) flows through Rishikesh, adding to its spiritual appeal and natural beauty. In fact, it is here that the river leaves the Himalayas, and flows out into the plains of northern India. Several temples, ancient as well as new, can be found along the banks of the river in Rishikesh. The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. The city has several Yoga centres that also attract tourists. It is believed that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of salvation, or moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it.

The name

During the mid-sixties, The Beatles (visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram) and several other artists, including The Beach Boys and Donovan, visited the site to contemplate and meditate. More recently also, the place has been of interest to celebrities including Hollywood star Kate Winslet, who stayed in .

The word Hrishikesh has been seen to refer to Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. He refers to Himself as the "Lord of the Senses."

The name of the city is also thought to have been originated from an age-old story that a prominent Rishi (saint) washed his kesh (hairs) in the Ganges, hence the name Rishikesh. Rishikesh ऋषिकेश